ANIMOLE
From Your Window
Well, well, well…three down and several more to go, Animole is quickly starting to take shape as we are down to unlucky 13. And soon, one more will be real unlucky, courtesy of the mole.
WEEK 3 RESULTS – WHO IS THE MOLE?
Oh dear…
This week is very difficult to do this one, because from all the entrants, everyone but two people got one vote…and only two people got two votes for this…I'm going to put it down, but I guess if it's this close I'm doing the right thing, everyone thinks it someone else.
So this week…
15% - Duplica/Rika
8% - Er…everyone else that got a vote…^_^
* * * *
(Shot of a peaceful camp night in the Digital World, but the silence isn't forgiving…)
Yukino: Story of his life. Went through a life, came across a hardship, struggled and survived. It was a happy ending that he wished to repay no matter what. But in the end, happy endings didn't always go the way of Touji Suzuhara. A braveheart, a childminder, a best friend…but not a mole, and definitely an executed. With the numbers slowly but surely starting to disintegrate, we quickly understand the importance of the question. Who is the mole?
Remaining contestants (eliminated ones not in bold);
Akari Kanzaki – Cosmo Beauty – Battle Athletes Victory
Chiharu Mihara – Student/Cheerleader – Card Captor Sakura
Chiriko – Suzaku warrior and researcher – Fushigi Yuugi
Cody Hida – Digidestined of Knowledge and Reliability – Digimon 02
Duplica Imite – Actress and Ditto Master – Pokémon
Giselle Dexter – Valedictorian – Pokémon
Haitani Masayuki – College Pervert – Love Hina
Haley Mabiki – Navigator – Nadesico: Prince Of Darkness
Ken Ichijoji – Digidestined of Kindness – Digimon 02
Kensuke Aida – Otaku – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Naoko Yanagisawa – Student/Horror Otaku – Card Captor Sakura
Rika Sasaki – Student/Model Housewife – Card Captor Sakura
Shirai Kimiaki – College Pervert – Love Hina
Shampoo – Amazon – Ranma ½
Touji Suzuhara – Bionic Man – Neon Genesis Evangelion
Yolei Inoue – Digidestined of Love and Sincerity – Digimon 02
* * * *
8.00am – DAY 5
(The Digital World is a pretty open place, but is everyone awake?)
Giselle: GET UP SLEEPYHEAD!
(…they will be now…)
Duplica: *groaning* Why now?
Giselle: Because if you don't get your lazy backside up now, we're going to lose money, that's why…
Duplica: Easy for you to say…
(Fortunately, Duplica does get up before Yukino does her morning inspection, and all are present and correct…)
Yukino: Well guys, a pretty poor day yesterday, but perhaps your luck will change. Or does the mole have a real scent for trouble now? However, it's time for a new day, a new place and indeed, some new challenges. So if you don't mind Cody?
(Cody nods and via laptop, the contestants, mole and Yukino head to who knows where…but it's sure going to be interesting, that's for sure.)
* * * *
(…the next thing the guys and girls knew, they were in a building…)
Ken: Anyone get the number of that Tyrannamon that hit me?
Haley: Not unless you got the one of the gravity blast that wasted me…
(Before they begin arguing, Yukino, dressed in a headmistress uniform, with her glasses on appears before them.)
Yukino: In my office now.
(The group collectively facefault…well most of them…)
Giselle: And I came here to be away from school…
Yolei: Sister, you're not the only one.
Shampoo: Shampoo never liked school…then again, Shampoo never been to school either…
Yukino: (devil) NOWWWWW!
All (mostly): Yes ma'am!
(The group hurry inside, where along with Yukino we have two other folks, Azusa Fuyutsuki (Great Teacher Onizuka) and Hibiki Amawa (Strawberry Egg) on either side of Yukino. We are in the school based in GTO, Holy Forest Academy)
Yukino: Ah, you have all been bad. A mole is hidden among you and you hardly did anything to stop him or her yesterday did you?
Rika: Yes miss.
Yukino: Ah, Miss Sasaki. Gold star for politeness.
Naoko: (whispering) She's getting way into this…
Kensuke: (whispering) You should see the teachers back home, at least these ones pay attention to you…
Yukino: Silence at the back or I'll put you outside in the hall carrying buckets of water!
(Naoko and Kensuke facefault)
Yukino: Anyway, you failed to shoot any moles this time, but here, you have a second chance. Because we have a challenge for you, and it's worth £5,000. Now, I'll ask Miss Fuyutsuki and…(chuckles) Miss Amawa to escort you to the dining hall where you be participating in a little fun game.
(The two teacher cameos escort them down as Yukino is smiling…)
* * * *
(The 13 stay down as it has been transformed into a fish market…)
Yukino: Ah, a little fishy down here. Oh well, this challenge is a simple one to win as long as you're hands are for the job. Fuyutsuki and Amawa to throw the fish at you and your job is simple…catch them. On one of them will be the £5,000. We won't tell you which one it is, it could be the first, it could be the last…and we won't give a warning who we are throwing them to either. However, you 13 will form an unlucky circle around the hall where from the stands, our two senseis will throw and throw until the challenge is over. Got that?
Haitani: I think so…
(Giselle looks slightly disgusted)
Akari: Let's give this a shot then!
Chiriko: This seems a rather unconventional way to catch fish…
Haley: (thinking about one of Ruri's stories) I can think of one more unconventional…
* * * *
(The 13 have formed a circle around Fuyutsuki and Amawa. However, what the team do not know is that Amawa is actually…a man. The plot of SE is this, Amawa wants to be a school teacher, but can't get a job as a male teacher, so thanks to his elderly tenant/department manager, he dresses in drag (even has a voice emulator) to get into a female teachers only school. Because of this, his throws are going to be more powerful than Fuyutsuki's, but the team aren't to know this…)
Yukino: Ready…GO!
(Fuyutsuki throws a crab at Rika who drops it, a bit scared)
Yukino: They're dead remember…
Rika: That's what I'm scared of!
(Yukino sighs, but fortunately that wasn't the 'fish' that had the money. Amawa does the next throw, and to Haitani is much faster, although to his credit, Haitani catches it. No money.)
Yukino: Let's go in turn because this could get too quick, too fast…
DUPLICA – Catches Fuyutsuki's salmon. No money.
KEN – Catch Amawa's. No money.
KENSUKE – Fails to handle Fuyutsuki's. No money.
AKARI – Catches Amawa's, although she is surprised by the force and is winded slightly. No money.
CHIRIKO – Fails to catch Fuyutsuki's…no money.
HALEY – Kneels down to catch Amawa's but misses. No money.
NAOKO – Surprisingly catches Fuyutsuki's but no money.
GISELLE – On to tuna now, and Giselle pretty much just holds her hands out and pushes it away, fortunately no money.
YOLEI – Catches Fuyutsuki's just but no money.
SHAMPOO – Catches Amawa's with one hand, almost bored.
CODY – Catches Fuyutsuki's with stealth.
Yukino: Remember, we don't know when the money is coming so this could take a while…
(The two now throw them in random bursts, confusing the team as they prepare to catch or not…)
Rika – Fails twice, three times in all.
Haitani – Catches one, but misses a second.
Duplica: Fails to catch one, but dives and catches a second well.
Ken: Catches both with ease.
Naoko: Fails with the two fish that come her way…
Giselle: Doesn't even try to catch them, she actually does a good job of getting away from them…
Yolei: Slips twice in catching the slippery black tuna that comes her way.
Cody: Catches one, but fails to handle a second.
Akari: Well handles the first, but immediately a second one heads her way, and she can't catch it in time.
Shampoo: Catches both easily.
Chiriko: Prepares to catch…
* * * *
Chiriko: I got…maybe not…
(the fish drops, but as it turns onto it's belly…)
Haley: Oh no.
(Yes, the fish Chiriko dropped was indeed the one which had the 5 grand on it. And just like that…CHALLENGE FAILED)
Yukino: Whoopsie! Chiriko, sorry but that was the one that had the money and because you dropped it, you lose.
(Chiriko sighs)
Chiriko: I'm sorry guys…
Rika: (smiles) It's O.K.
Giselle: It's not O.K! We keep losing and I'm sick of it!
Yolei: Considering the fact that you practically ran from the fish, I don't think you've got any right to talk…
Giselle: Hey, I'm allergic to fish!
Cody: We didn't know that…
Giselle: Erm…I just…just don't like revealing my weaknesses, that's all.
Yukino: I wonder if moles are allergic to fish, because if you don't mind, we need to clean this mess up…and also to shower because I think we stink. We can use the changing rooms here in Holy Forest Academy, and then we can prepare for the next challenge, and trust me, it's time to take the test…
(Yukino leaves, as the guys and girls decided that they need to clean up before anything else, as that makes it 4 in a row that the mole has got the better of them…)
* * * *
Yolei: That's four on the trot now. We'd better get a win under our belts others the mole is going to walk all over us!
Chiriko: Giselle's actions could have been a way to sabotage…but despite her being one of my top suspects, I think there was genuine fear in those actions…
Giselle: It's…weird. Having a fear of fish, I just had a bad experiences with a Magikarp when I was young…it's no big deal…of course, how was I supposed to know there would be a fish challenge? In a school of all places!
Haley: I've decided that this mole has done their homework now…and we need to see if we can do it otherwise…
(Shot of a shower in the school. As this is a PG fic, we won't peep, but we can hear the conversation between a girl and a boy from the opposite ends of the showers…)
Kensuke: Kinda got lucky didn't we?
Naoko: We got in last, we can talk…neat huh?
Kensuke: Yeah…neat.
Naoko: You upset?
Kensuke: A little…at least I know he's gone now and I don't have to worry about him.
Naoko: Really?
Kensuke: But then…you felt the same when Chiharu went right?
Naoko: (slowly) Yeah…
(a knock on the door)
Rika: (voice only) Naoko-chan, are you ready?
Naoko: Just a minute…
(Unknown to Naoko, Rika has pretty much heard every word…)
Rika: Did I drive Naoko away because of my friendship with Chiriko? Is that she's connecting with Kensuke? Is it all my fault…
(Speaking of Chiriko, he and his 'other woman' if you will are not having quite an agreeing alliance as of now…)
Giselle: …I told you I'm allergic to them…
Chiriko: Whatever…it doesn't matter. All I'm asking is that we're O.K for now and I'll help you. I don't care if you're allergic to them or not, but just to be safe rather than sorry, I'll work with you…even if you are the mole.
Giselle: (smiles) Why Chiriko, what would you believe that a face this cute could be anything mole-like?
(Somewhere in Tomoeda, Tomoyo sneezes…)
Chiriko: O.K, aside from you, anyone suspicious in that challenge…
Giselle: Apart from you?
Chiriko: (sweatdrops) Thanks for reminding me.
Giselle: Oh relax, I don't think there is anything the mole could have done other than drop them all…
Chiriko: Like you did?
Giselle: (sighs) Don't get on my nerves kid.
* * * *
(Shot of Akari heading up for the next challenge)
Akari: I've always been used to being on my own, and as much as I'm friends with many of them here, I'm not really working with anyone. I'm not really certain on who the mole is, so maybe I need to think about an alliance…
(Akari enters the room, where half of the team is in already, silent. Professor Yukino is standing in her headmistress outfit, looking at everyone who has a piece of paper)
Yukino: Sit down Miss Kanzaki.
(Akari hurries into a seat next to Cody, as they wait for the stragglers, namely Chiriko, Giselle, Kensuke, Naoko and Haley. Eventually, they do come, although not without some reprimanding words from Yukino)
Yukino: Well, I could tell you to sit at the back of the classroom, but what's the point? Besides, I have a challenge for you and it's worth £10,000. In front of you, you each have a sheet of paper, where 12 of you will be taking a test. But before you do, you must nominate one person who you think can predict better than anyone else.
(The group is still silent as Yukino sighs)
Yukino: I will let you talk, I'm not the devil!
(The group discuss, a bit wary because…)
Ken: What if it's another free pass thing?
Naoko: Don't look at me then.
Haley: Well, who thinks they would need it?
(Approximately everyone's hand goes up, apart from Giselle's, Shampoo's and Chiriko's)
Akari: (sweatdrops) This could take a while.
Yukino: Hurry up guys…
Rika: O.K, who thinks they can predict then?
Haitani: I can always predict when Keitaro is going to get beaten up…
Duplica: Good enough!
Everyone else: Huh?
Duplica: Well, we're not getting anywhere else so why not?
(Eventually, the conensus agrees and Haitani is given the job of prediction. Yukino smiles)
Yukino: Ah. Masayuki. Come with me please and wait outside the door.
(Haitani does as he's asked as Yukino leads him out and Yukino motions towards the desks.)
Yukino: We have 12 people, and in front of you, you each have a piece of paper with questions on it. No, this is not the mole quiz. However, you must have had to study the people around you, so this quiz will see how much you've learned about them in a week.
(The group pretty much groan in the negative)
Yukino: Each person will be tested on a different person in the class. Then Haitani will have the tough job of predicting how many you got right out of 10. I'll explain more when you've completed your challenge, but for now, turn over your papers and let your test begin. As soon as the last person is finished, Haitani will come back in and we'll see how well you guys can do. Raise your hand when you've finished.
(The group have turned their papers over and look who they get)
Rika: I got the paper on Akari…that was hard, I haven't spoke much to Akari and it was pretty hard…
Naoko: I got Chiriko…which wasn't bad, because I learnt a few things off him on Rika, but it was pretty bad nonetheless…
Duplica: I got Cody. That was good, as I've been learning about the digidestined a bit, plus I kinda like Cody, he's serious but he's nice, opposite of me of course…*chuckles*
Giselle: I got of all people, Duplica. Talk about luck of the draw, I got the one person still on my show, and considering that we spent 3 weeks on that island, and her sneaky tricks, they won't get me off guard this time.
Ken: I got Haitani's. Pretty difficult for me considering the guy has pretty much hung around Touji and Kensuke all this time, mind you, I could say the same for me…Yolei and Cody I'd be fine with, anyone else…
Yolei: I was hoping for Ken, and I got Ken! This one is going to be too easy!
Cody: I got Kensuke. Not very easy to say the least, but I've been observing everyone here at one stage or another, and I hope that will get me through this…
Kensuke: I got Giselle. That was a case of good and bad, because whilst you try to get to know a girl like her, she's as secretive as Misato and her military plans. And unlike them, I can't hack into her brain and find out…
Akari: It wasn't bad getting Haley's, as I do like him. He's a sweet boy and we've talked before…heck, he's someone I would like to talk to whilst I'm away from my friends…the quiz wasn't as hard as I thought it might be in that regard…
Shampoo: Shampoo get Kasumi-girl's quiz. Shampoo no care really, it's just obeying these laws to win game.
Chiriko: Whilst I would have been better with Rika, Naoko wasn't a bad quiz for me either. I'm pretty confident that I've done well enough.
Haley: Talk about unlucky! I got Shampoo's, and all she seems to talk about are how stupid we are…I'm pretty much haven't a clue…
* * * *
Yukino: Is everyone done?
(The group nod, as the last person, Haley, puts his hand up, as they all hand their tests in to Yukino-sensei)
Yukino: Right, Mr. Masayuki, you may come back in again!
(Haitani enters, a bit confused. Yukino explains what he has to do)
Yukino: O.K, Haitani, you have been assigned to predict something. What you have to predict is what each person got on their test. Now, they each had a test on someone in this room, you would have as well…(shows him his sheet, which was the one with Yolei on it). However, you will not know who everyone else was tested on…making this much more difficult.
Giselle: That's not fair!
Yukino: Those the rules, and I'm the teacher, so disagree with me again and you will be screaming at a much higher pitch missy!
(Giselle sulks as Yukino continues)
Yukino: So Haitani, how well do you think your friends have done? To help you a bit, here is the scoring chart…
Exact number
1 away
2 away
3 away
More than 3 away
Points
10
8
4
2
0
Yukino: The challenge is from 12 people to get 60 points. Get that, and you win 10 thousand. And we'll go in alphabetical order. Haitani, out of 10, how many do you think Akari scored on her test?
(Haitani looks at Akari, trying to see if he get a read of her face…either that or he's staring at her, your decision)
Haitani: Well, considering where I come from, usually beauty and brains come in one package. And I think Akari is part of that package. I'll go with 6.
Yukino: 6 eh? Well Akari…on your test on Haley, you got…(smiles) 7 out of 10. Not bad, and 8 points for your team.
(Akari smiles and Haitani breathes a sigh of relief)
Yukino: Good start, but now, let's see how you think Chiriko did.
Haitani: Chiriko? Well…I know he's pretty much the smartest here…so…I'll go high, 8.
Yukino: 8 for young Chiriko? Are you sure?
Haitani: (pauses) Yes.
Yukino: Well, Chiriko, he got Naoko…and somehow…you are dead right! 8 correct, and a perfect 10 points for the team, 18 from two guesses, you could do this in half the time at this rate. Now another young pup, Cody. Haitani?
Haitani: Cody…well, he always seems to be thinking, and I think he's someone who has got smarts in that head…so I'll go with 5 for Cody.
Yukino: Haitani goes for 5 for young Cody. Well Cody, on your test on Kensuke…you got…1.
Kensuke: What?
(Cody is still ice calm, but she shuffles a bit)
Yukino: That's 4 away, and no points at all I'm afraid. Still on 18 and your next contestant is Duplica.
Haitani: I'm not sure…she seems smart, and she's a people person, but she's a bit…sly…in that regard. I'm going to play safe and go with 5.
Yukino: Duplica got Cody, you go with 5…however, she actually got 8, which I guess might surprise you. You do get 2 points however for being three away which puts you on 20 points from 4 guesses, which is exactly the ratio you need to win the challenge. Now Giselle.
Haitani: Giselle is another B & B person, although she's a bit more deadly than Akari…but I think this is her thing. 8 for Giselle.
Yukino: He pretty much bet the farm on you Giselle, well, the luck of the draw put her up against Pokemon's Duplica…which is surprising, because she only got 6.
Giselle: What?
Yukino: Sorry, but I'm never wrong. 2 away and that's 4 points putting you on 24. Next is Haley.
Haitani: I'd better do better…considering he's from the future, he probably knew everything anyway, but I'm going to go with 7.
Yukino: 7…especially when his quiz was about Shampoo?
Shampoo: Hey!
Yukino: Haley however surprised by getting 6 correct, which is 8 points. 32 overall, and we move over to Digidestined Ken.
Haitani: Ken…well…I heard he is quite smart…although was that before the gears or not?
Ken: You told him?
Yolei: (shrugs) The glasses did it.
Haitani: Anyway, I'll go with 5.
Yukino: 5 for Ken? Well, I'm sure you'll be delighted with the fact that Ken had yours, and even more so that he only got 3 right.
Haitani: (sweatdrops) I shouldn't have asked.
Yukino: Despite that, being two away gets you 4 points. 36, and with 5 left, you need 24 points. Next is Kensuke.
Haitani: Kensuke I trust will know the right things, at the right times. So, I'm going to go with 7.
Yukino: You trust him to come through for you?
Haitani: I do.
Yukino: Well…Kensuke got Giselle…
Haitani: And?
Yukino: …and he got 4.
Giselle: Thanks a lot…
Yukino Just the two points, 38, and just 4 to go. Next is Naoko.
Haitani: (sweating) This is getting tough. I know Naoko is pretty smart, but considering I'm not sure who they have and that my predictions have been poor so far…I'll go with 6 for Naoko.
Yukino: 6 for Naoko then…well, you're right, she is smart…and as she had Chiriko, it wasn't bad at all…7 for Naoko, and 8 points for you.
Haitani: Back on the boat!
Yukino: That puts you on 46 points, 14 needed from Rika, Shampoo and Yolei's. Rika next.
Haitani: Rika…I'm not sure about…(thinks)…I'm going to go half-way again and go with 5 points.
Yukino: 5 for Rika…well, she had Akari…and she got, just 3.
Akari: (anime tears) Rika-chan, you don't know about me?
Yukino: (sweatdrops) Oh boy. That's 4 points. You need 10 from 2. Shampoo next…
Shampoo: Shampoo best for sure!
Haitani: 3.
Shampoo: As he say…what?
Haitani: 3 for Shampoo.
Shampoo: Shampoo know you very wrong pervert-boy!
Yukino: He is wrong…
Shampoo: See?
Yukino: (smirks) Shampoo got 2, one out on Rika, so you get 8 points.
(Shampoo looks ready to tear the school apart…)
Yukino: Calm down! Anyway, 2 points away, and you have Yolei left. Make this a good one…
Haitani: Yolei huh? I know she's quite smart…but as we only need 2 points, I'm going to play it safe…and go 5.
Yukino: That your final answer?
Haitani: Yes.
Yukino: (sighs) Haitani?
Haitani: Yep.
Yukino: She got Ken….and got all 10 right.
Haitani: (shocked) You're kidding…
Yukino: (shakes her head) I'm afraid not. And as that is 4 or more out, that means you get nil points, and means your challenge has ended, once again, in failure.
CHALLENGE FAILED
Yukino: Well Haitani, not bad…but very bad. I'd like to ask, did you think about it when you made that last guess? If you had been listening, you would have realised that Ken was the only person left and did you think that Yolei wouldn't know a bit more than 5 things about her fellow digidestined and slightly more…
Haitani: (scratches his head) Ummm….
Yukino: Well, was there anything suspcicious about any of the scores? You decide…the mole is quickly taking control of the game. However, to make things worse, you guys are sleeping in the school tonight…
Yolei: Sleeping in the school?
Yukino: Well, Onizuka had to do it as part of his training, and considering how you guys have been failing, think of it as hard training. Tomorrow, you guys get up at 9 in the morning or you know the drill. I suggest you think long and hard about how the mole had gone about his or her circumstances…
(Yukino leaves, as the others contemplate the turn of events…)
Haitani: They relied on me…and I let them down. That was hard…very hard.
Kensuke: It was luck of the draw, and Haitani didn't get much of it. That last question had to be a killer though, so close and yet so far…
Shampoo: No fair, Shampoo not stupid!
Cody: Of course I was surprised that I only got one correct. However, in this game, I don't really have time to be surprised, otherwise I could be the next one in trouble.
* * * *
(With school ending, it's time for some after-school activities…)
(Shot of the Digidestined, Yolei, Cody and Ken, looking around in the computer room…)
Cody: If we had our digivices, we could probably go from here…
Yolei: Yes, we never got to see our friends, just go round a crazed playhouse…
Ken: I guess there will be a next time…
(The three sighed)
Yolei: Getting tired guys?
Cody: Maybe…I don't know how close I am to the mole, but this is just as frustrating at times as battling there…
Ken: At least we don't have to kill any Digimon here.
(A knock on the door of the computer room interrupts them, as they look up. It's Haitani and Haley)
Haitani: Guys…I'm really s…
Ken: (shrugs it off) It doesn't matter. In this game, we should be used to the goof-ups. It's just figuring out which ones are genuine and which ones aren't…
Haley: Anyway, you don't mind if we join you? I felt this is a good chance to get some of my notes down in printed format…I don't have any service for my laptop to print…
Yolei: Sure, go ahead sweetie!
(Haley blushes as Ken looks a bit stern at Haley, but rubs it off)
Ken: Sometimes I wonder if Yolei does her flirting to annoy me…Haley is bad enough, but considering she hangs out Akari a lot as well makes me REALLY wonder…
(Speaking of Akari, she is quickly in one of the areas, doing what she does best…)
Akari: Hup!
(As you can see, Akari and Shampoo are actually racing each other on an obstacle course. Shampoo's agility is very good, but she's not as fast as the Cosmo Beauty)
Akari: Ah…nothing like a good work out…
Shampoo: How…box…girl…get…so…fast…
Akari: Well, it's in my blood…
(Wrong thing to say Akari…)
Shampoo: Is that true?
Akari: (nods) Mmmm!
Shampoo: Then Shampoo get blood for herself, become best Amazon and make Ranma airen happy! (draws her bonburies from somewhere as Akari realises that 1 and 1 don't always make 2…)
Akari: EEEEEKKKKKKKK!
(Akari runs for her life, Shampoo on her trail)
Shampoo: If Shampoo no find mole, at least Shampoo have experiment for great-grandmother!
Akari: Why me?
Meanwhile…
Duplica: Ah…nice to be out in the fair air.
(Duplica has simply decided to take a walk on the field grounds)
Duplica: It's been a hectic week, and sometimes it's nice to be alone.
(However, her peace is about to be abruptly ending…)
????: Meow?
Duplica: Huh?
(A grey blackish cat emerges from the bushes, searching for something. It sees Duplica and meows)
Duplica: Aww…hey!
(The cat, who has a moon crescent on it's head leaps onto Duplica's lap, the girl chuckling)
Duplica: Well, what you doing here? (looks at the forehead) Wow, I've never since anything like this…I've seen a talking cat, but not…
(But before she can say anything else, a flash of light appears, blinding the girl. The next instant…)
* * * *
Day 6
An extra hour sleep does wonders for the group, especially with depression sinking in. However, an extra hour isn't good enough for one of them…
(Shot of the school cafeteria, where a few are having breakfast, but most have gone for milk or in Haitani's case, coffee flavoured milk. However…)
Giselle: Where is she?
(One of them is missing. Duplica.)
Shampoo: Ditto-girl missing? (looks at Akari) Shampoo not forgot about you box-girl.
Akari: (sweatdrops) Why me?
(Yukino turns round the corner, to introduce herself to the gang that morning…and immediately notices the missing person…)
Yukino: Morning…but it's not always a good one by the looks of things. I count 12 people and we need thirteen.
Giselle: She is SO dead.
Yukino: Ah Miss Dexter, would that be Miss Imíte I presume? Well, where is she?
Naoko: I guess we wait.
(They do, as 10 minutes become 20. Finally, Giselle reaches the end of her patience.)
Giselle: I'm going to kill her…
(Giselle, without any instruction, goes back into the campus room where they were sleeping. Surely, it would have been easy to get her then…except Akari quickly remembers something…)
Akari: Hey, was she even in the room last night?
Chiriko: Now that you mention it…
(Indeed, when Giselle gets there, there is no-one there.)
Yukino: (scratches her head) Weird…I don't think there was a kidnapping challenge of sorts…
(Suddenly, her communicator goes a bit awry, and Yukino gets on her cell phone…)
Yukino: Hello, Miyazawa…whoa Skuld, what's going on…
(Yukino recieves a message with slight confusion…)
Yukino: …right, I see. O.K…so does that mean…O.K, fine. Later.
(Yukino shuts her phone down)
Yukino: It seems last night Miss Imíte actually was transported accidentally to Tokyo when a cat came over last night and basically 'kidnapped' Duplica if you will. And guess what? That's where you are heading now…
Kensuke: Is this a challenge?
Yukino: I'll tell you when I get the details, they didn't inform me of this one…come on guys, we'd better wait for our ride.
(So the troop are on their way to the Tokyo world of Sailor Moon. What horrors await them…not as many as you might expect, we're going by the sub version…)
* * * *
Tokyo – Sailor Moon style
(The Tokyo set up is busy as you'd expect, but the destination is the arcade for this intriguing challenge…)
Skuld: An arcade?
Yukino: We've been told that she is at the Hino shrine, being taken care of. However, before we get to her, we have a challenge for you.
(The 12 contestants look on…)
Yukino: In here is the latest game, Anime Blitz, which allows you to play 3 on 3 using anime characters against each other, in a Capcom vs. SNK like method. Your challenge is simple.
(Inside, we see 4 people, Usagi Tsukino, Ami Mizuno, Makoto Kino and Minako Aino, a.k.a. Sailors Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus, in their normal school girl dress)
Yukino: Each of you will practice at the game first, and then you will play best of 3 against each of the girls. If you win a majority, in other words, you beat three of the girls, you get £10,000. Now, the 4 are just as new to the game as you guys are and have had some practice. We'll give you a little help though when you make your challenges…
Weakest player: Mako-chan
2nd weakest: Usagi
2nd strongest: Minako
Strongest: Ami
Yukino: I suggest you have a good go at it before the challenge begins…
However another problem will commence at the Hino shrine…
* * * *
(Shot of Rei-chan sitting in her traditional miko garments, long sleeved top (chihaya) and long red skirt dress (hibakama). Duplica is wearing the same things but this is actually from Rei's stuff rather than her own…)
Rei: Miss Imite, I have been informed to give you the following instructions.
Duplica: Couldn't you have done this another way?
Rei: (shrugs) Sorry, Chromus' orders. Anyway…(hands a gold envelope over) this is something you may or may not want to use.
Duplica: What is it?
Rei: Something that will keep you safe.
(Duplica nods, quickly realising what it is…)
Rei: You may use it only if your team fails to win any money. They are currently at the arcade ready to put their skills to the test at an arcade game. Win or lose the challenge, they will be asked if they want you to play to either double their money or get the money they lost.
Duplica: (recognition) They chose me…
Rei: (smirks) I guess having that Anime Blitz coin-up in your trailer didn't help much did it?
Duplica: (sweatdrops) O.K, so I like playing video games!
Rei: (chuckles) Nevertheless, basically you won't know their decision, but for you to use that pass, you must lose the match. Now, if they win, they may keep the money and elect not to risk it, making the fact if you win your match, you've wasted a free pass chance. It's all up to you…and them.
(Duplica ponders all this and more, as in the arcade, the Scouts and the hunters are playing…)
* * * *
Rika: We need to beat 3 of these at a beat-em-up…sounds much easier than it looks, and considering we haven't won in 5, we'd better get our act together…
Kensuke: Video games…a quiet passion of mine. I hope this works for us…although those scout girls are cute…
Chiriko: Coming from the past, I have no idea about these modern appliances, I'm more concerned about where Duplica is, I have a feeling there is more to this challenge than makes it appear…
Yukino: You've all had a good blast at it, so name your teams…
(The team have decided)
Makoto vs. Shampoo/Chiriko/Cody
Usagi vs. Ken/Yolei/Akari
Minako vs. Haitani/Rika/Giselle
Ami vs. Kensuke/Naoko/Haley
Yukino: Teams of 3, no holds barred…
(Of course, Shampoo takes it seriously, arming herself in a fighting position. Makoto however does the same…)
Yukino: (sweatdrops) Not literally…
(Finally, order is restored as the girls begin to play.)
Shampoo is – Shampoo, Ranma and also Shaoran (CCS)
Chiriko is – Chichiri, Tasuki and Hotohori (all Fushigi Yugi)
Cody is – Videl (DBZ), Gourry (Slayers) and Ryoko (Tenchi Muyo)
Makoto is – Makoto, Tamahome and Tenchi (trust her to go for the bishounen)
First game – Shampoo basically just presses the punch button as she chooses Ranma first to use his 'Chestnut Fist' move. Makoto is trying with the control, but can't get many special moves going with her character. She manages to get a few kicks in as Shampoo gets angry when Ranma is getting beaten. She starts to play the game, but Makoto gets a Thunder Dragon move on to beat Ranma. She switches to Syaoran and basically does the same button bashing…which doesn't work even on the weakest player. By the time she is herself, Makoto is still on her character and wins. MAKOTO 1
Second game – Chiriko, whilst not into technology, is still a strategy master and plays well, keeping long distance with Chichiri and using the buttons he learnt to do his sorcery attacks. Makoto's confidence wears down even when she gets a few projectile attacks of her own. She loses the first round, but beats Chichiri just with Tamahome. Chiriko smiles and shouts 'REKKA SHINEN!' as in unison, the flame wielder does the attack to beat Tamahome.
Chiriko: Bet Tasuki-san would have loved that!
Back with the match, Makoto is getting frustrated and despite come good long range attacks, Chiriko just keeps Rekka Shinen-ing as Makoto has forgot how to block. Chiriko wins. MAKOTO 1 – 1 MOLE
Final game: Cody has gone with a mixed range of characters as Videl who has a good range of regular attacks combining with her flight moves put Makoto in a loop. Cody doesn't do any special moves and just attacks from the one move he does know, flight. He beats Makoto as Makoto, and proceeded to do the same with Tamahome. Jupiter really doesn't know any special moves and as Cody simply keeps to the air, Makoto doesn't do much damage and Cody gets the easy win.
VICTORY!
Yukino: That's one up to Team Mole, can they maintain it?
(Usagi vs. Ken/Yolei/Akari)
Ken is – Li Meiling (CCS), Mousse (Ranma ½), Black WarGreymon (Digimon)
Yolei is – Tenchi, Tamahome and Ashitaka (Princess Mononoke)
Akari is – Soi (Fushigi Yugi), Mewtwo (Pokemon) and Spike (Cowboy Bebop)
Usagi is – Usagi, Tuxedo Kamen and Pretty Sammy
(Mole fight!)
Ken vs. Usagi – Ken at first struggles against Usagi, who beats Meiling using herself, however, Ken pretty much button bashes his way using Mousse, as a variety of attacks come from his sleeves…literally. He defeats Usagi and Tuxedo Kamen using Mousse. Pretty Sammy does pretty much the same thing though from long range and beats Mousse. Ken has Black WarGreymon now and manages to get his super attack, Terra Destroyer on to defeat Usagi. MOLE 1
Yolei vs. Usagi – Using her bishounen combo, Yolei pretty much domninates the first round with the same move, a running sword slash with Tenchi. However, Usagi is getting better and beats Tenchi with Tux. Tamahome is in and Yolei sticks to close range combat, but using Tux's cane, and Yolei's inability to block, Usagi takes the second round. As Mononoke, it's a case of who can press the punch button faster with sword vs. cane. Yolei wins and she celebrates…before forgetting that Usagi still has one character, Pretty Sammy who uses her long range attacks to beat Yolei. MOLE 1 – USAGI 1
Akari vs. Usagi – The final round shows Akari's skills other than athletics as her nimble hands pretty much find some wicked combos, whether she meant it or not. She uses Soi's lightning attacks (much to Mako-chan's disgust) to defeat both Usagi and Tux, before being defeated by Sammy. However, Akari uses Mewtwo next and pretty much wastes her.
VICTORY!
(Shot of Usagi bawling in a corner as the team sweatdrop)
Giselle: Where do you get these guys?
Yukino: Don't get too confident. That was the appetiser, now it's time for the main course.
(Minako and Ami are pretty much the two 'toughies'. Minako is an arcade junkie, and Ami, whilst not into games as much, somehow always gets the top scores on the machines, knowing strategies better than anyone.)
(Haitani, Rika and Giselle get ready to face Minako…)
Haitani as – Su (Love Hina), Motoko (Love Hina) and Sakura (CCS)
Rika as – Akane (Ranma ½), Li Shoaran (CCS) and Yohko (Devil Hunter Yohko)
Giselle as – Tomoe Midoh (Battle Athletes), Kyosuke (Kimagure), Sylia Stingray (BGC2040)
Minako as – Minako, Kenshin (Ruroni Kenshin) and Ryu (SF2V)
(Haitani blushes as Minako comes into play but soon, surprisingly, it's all business…)
Haitani vs. Minako – The former ronin obviously has some game playing skills in that body, and it's a close battle with Su vs. Minako, but the Scout pulls off the victory. Haitani quickly beats Minako with Motoko and now it's two sword masters in Motoko vs. Kenshin. Haitani repeatedly uses the Zanganken techniques, vs. Kenshin's Effect Slash and in the end Motoko wins. Ryu comes in but Haitani at least knows how to block his projectiles and gets a good couple of hits in before being beaten. Sakura comes in and Haitani uses a command to fly and bombards Ryu with spells and attacks. Ryu's dragon punches knock her out of the sky, but after using a special attack (Windy), Haitani squeaks out a win. MOLE 1
Rika vs. Minako – On the other hand, Rika doesn't seem able to handle Minako as well. Akane is quickly beaten by Sailor Venus. She seems to fair better as Li Shaoran, and managed to beat Minako, and again, two swordsmen take the field, but Minako handles it better and beat Li with half energy taken off. Her final character, Yohko Mano, also uses a sword, the Soul Sword, but she really doesn't get the hang of using her and is defeated by Kenshin. MOLE 1 – MINAKO 1
Giselle vs. Minako – However, Giselle fairs even worse. Minako is cruising just using her own character demolishes Tomoe and Kyosuke. Giselle fairs better with Sylia because of a few simple sword based moves, but once again, Minako's use of Kenshin is enough to dispose of her. MOLE 1 – MINAKO 2
Yukino: So defeat, that means their final team, the ones with the most game skills apparently, has to beat Ami. Easier said that done…
Ami: (to Naoko) Good luck!
Naoko: (smiles) Thank you!
Haley: (sweatdrops) Kensuke, can you wipe off that drool before you fight?
Kensuke: (starry eyed) Pretty!
(Naoko elbows him in the gut as they go to the coin up. Teams…)
Kensuke as – Gally (Battle Angel Alita), Ifruita (El Hazard) and Nuku-Nuku (APCCG Nuku-Nuku)
Naoko as – Sakura, Meiling and Shaoran (although she's a bit confused on why Sakura has all these moves…^_^)
Haley as – Ranma Saotome (Ranma ½), Haruka (Sailor Moon, aka, Sailor Uranus) and Ryoga Hibiki (Ranma ½)
Ami as – Ami, Michiru (both Sailor Moon of course) and Ryo Saeba (City Hunter)
Yukino: This for the money, and go!
Kensuke vs. Ami: A good match as Kensuke using the three cyber characters to his advantage and his own mad gaming skills. However, to Kensuke's frustrations, Ami is reading his moves and able to block most of Gally's special attacks and counter with special of her own. Ami beats Gally with roughly half energy left. Next is Ifruita, who is like the Shang Tsung of anime and able to copy other people's moves. Kensuke pretty much reverts to button bashing, which actually works better against Ami as she can't predict the combos as easily. Ifruita defeats Ami with a fluky Shishi Hodokan, and income Michiru. A projectile is reflected by Michiru's Submarine Reflection and Michiru finishes Ifruita off as Kensuke can't come back from it. Finally, Nuku Nuku is fast and strong, but no real good moves and Michiru's long range 'Deep Submerge' attacks keep her off bay. Michiru eventually wins.
AMI 1-0 MOLE
Yukino: They have to win this one now…
Naoko vs. Ami: Naoko only practised with these three characters and in turn is pretty good with them all. Ami just defeated Naoko's Meiling who as Syaoran, beats her with one thunder magic attack. Michiru is also on the receiving end of the god of thunder attacks, before Naoko does two three-quarter circles and punches, activating the Time Card spell. Naoko unleashes 3: 16 to beat Michiru. Finally Ryo. Ami's strategy is to lay into the multi-hit combos he's capable of in close quarters to keep Li from attacking. Syaoran eventually get's beaten. With Sakura, Naoko takes to the air and bombards spell after spell before activiting Fight magic and countering a Ryo combo into a multi-hit. A final earthy attack, and Sakura and Naoko win!
AMI 1-1 MOLE
Yukino: It's now all up to young Haley…
Haley: O.K, here goes…(Haley looks to Ami…and blushes…)
Ami: Are you allright?
Haley: Um…yes…*to himself*…is this the Ami from…
Ami: Huh?
Haley: Um…sorry miss. Let's play.
Ami: (shy) Hai!
Haley vs. Ami: Ranma vs. Ami…and just like the real deal, Ami does a Shine Aqua Illusion, and Ranma turns into Ranma-chan! This makes her faster but not as strong. Still, Haley simply uses the special moves, and forces Ami back, but Ami doesn't take much damage, expecting the attack. Haley switches to combos, and gets a good hit or two including an Amaguriken combo. However, Ami lands a throw (fisherman suplex) on Ranma-chan and goes into a special, Mercury Aqua Mirage to beat Ranma.
AMINow it's scout vs. scout as Haruka immediately launches a World Shaking at Ami. Ami defends well and counters with a Mercury Bubble Spray to temporary freeze Haruka. Ami gets a combo but eventually falls to an air combo by Haley.
1-1
Michiru comes in and it's scout vs. scout or…well you decide it. (What is the most popular SM yuri couple anyway, Michiru/Haruka? Rei/Usagi? Hotaru/Chibiusa? Makoto/Minako? Oh, sorry…off topic.) Haruka goes into a Space Sword Blaster combo which gets in a good couple of hits, but Ami reflects the next attack and counters with a rising water uppercut which beats Haruka.
1-2 AMI
Yukino: Haley is in trouble.
Immediately Haley releases his problem.
Haley: If she uses a water attack on me…
Indeed, as the battle starts, Ryoga is forced to dodge from Michiru's Deep Submerge, Haley only has one chance…
Double-quarter turn…SHI SHI HODOKAN!
…which was exactly was Ami was expected and used Submarine Reflection x2 to reflect it back at Ryoga. One Deep Submerge later and P-Chan means instant defeat.
CHALLENGE FAILED (AGAIN)…OR DOES IT?
* * * *
Yukino: Well, bad strategy and smart girls eventually gave you guys the defeat you didn't want. 6 in a row and the mole is simply walking all over you…
(The guys and girls really don't want to hear it)
Yukino: …however, we have a second chance for you. You see, Duplica has been held at the Hino shrine for a while, and now she has a chance for release, and to do so, she must beat our chosen warrior in a match now. Duplica was captured apparently because she has played this game before and is pretty good at it…and here's the thing. If you think she can beat our opponent, you will win the £10,000 anyway.
Kensuke: After all that?
Yukino: Well…if you had won you could have had a chance to either double it or lose it all. However, you can say no to if she wins, because if you think she will win and she gets beaten, you will LOSE £10,000, and the way you guys have been going, you can't afford to lose anymore.
Haitani: Oh.
Yukino: It's your choice. Either hope that Duplica comes through for you, or play it safe and don't have a chance of losing anything else.
(Team Mole confer)
Rika: Well, what do you think?
Giselle: Well, got to be no.
Haitani: Why?
Giselle: Trust me, mole or not, that girl is not to be trusted. She's probably got a free pass to lose the game or something…(looks sternly at Naoko)
Naoko: Hey, hang on a…
Haley: Do you think she'll play Ami or Minako?
Ken: (shakes his head) No, they said 'champion' which probably means someone else probably.
Shampoo: So, do we trust ditto-girl or not?
Chiriko: I think we can.
Akari: Do we want to risk losing any more money, I mean, what if Giselle is right?
Rika: As much as I hate to admit it, I think she's right. I think we should pl…
Yolei: I think we should go for it.
(The guys and girls look at Yolei…)
Cody: Um, Yolei, why?
Yolei: Face it guys, we've done nothing but lose recently. Let's at least give us a second chance, we haven't had much of those.
Akari: Yolei?
Ken: (smiles) If Yolei thinks so, then I don't mind.
Giselle: Well I do!
Chiriko: Guys, guys, guys…let's do this democratically. All those who think we should stick with nothing vote.
(Giselle, Rika, Shampoo, Haitani and Kensuke raise their hands)
Chiriko: All who think Duplica should play?
(Naoko, Ken, Yolei, Cody (reluctantly), Akari and Haley raise their hands. Chiriko smiles and raises his.)
Chiriko: 7-5. Motion passes.
Giselle: You're going to regret this…
(The group turn)
Chiriko: We will gamble £10,000 on Duplica to beat your 'champion.'
Yukino: Ah…taking a risk. A wise move or a mole move? We'll see…very well, let's meet our contestants for the ultimate game! First, to my right, from Fuschia City, weighing in at…
Duplica: (off stage) Reveal my weight and die!
Yukino: (sweatdrops) Touchy. Anyway, for Team Mole, Duplica Imite!
(Duplica enters, still in the Rei outfit, Miss Hino accompanying her. She gets applause from the Mole troupe, most smiling, others obviously not too happy about this.)
Yukino: And her opponent, from the future world of Crystal Tokyo, weighing approximately half of Usagi…
Usagi: Hey, you don't mean…
Yukino: Team Senshi's representative, Chibi-Usa!
(Sailor Moon's Chibiusa Tsukino, accompanied by Hotaru Tomoe, enter the arcade. Chibi-chan get welcomes and good lucks from everyone (except Usagi) as she smiles.)
Giselle: That's her opponent?
Akari: Well…
Rika: This could be good or bad.
Naoko: Quite the pessimist Rika-chan?
(Duplica is looking on seriously as Chibi-Usa gets a stool to sit on so she can reach the controls.)
Yukino: Despite her apperance, Chibi-usa is a formidable arcade player and from the future, has been given notes on all the moves. Has she got the will though to ruin the game for Team Mole?
Yukino: Choose your characters.
Chibiusa: Right!
Chibiusa picks first. She goes with Sailor Pluto (Setsuna), Yugi Moto (Yu-Gi-Oh!) and Sakura (CCS)
Duplica picks Motoko Aoyama (Love Hina), Ukyo Kuonji (Ranma ½) and Ifruita (El Hazard)
Yukino: O.K…
(What the team don't know is the envelope in Duplica's sleeve. Will she lose the game to win the free pass? Remember, she doesn't know that the team have betted the money on her. So…)
Yukino: …and go!
ROUND 1 – MOTOKO (Duplica) vs. PLUTO (Chibiusa)
Chibusa starts off with a Dead Scream, but is blocked. Duplica uses a sliding slash and follows up with a Zanganken. Chibiusa goes into a fireball fight with Dead Screams vs. Zangaken's about. Chibi-Usa goes for some Orbal Staff Combos, which Motoko blocks, but Chibusa uses a Chronos Cyclone to do some damage. Motoko uses a special attack, the God's Cry Attack (Version 2) to take a fair bit of damage to Pluto. Chibiusa begins defends and uses 2 special bars to use Pluto's Time Stop ability. She nearly wins, but just as she's about to do, Motoko uses a Kenshin like Slash to win the first round…barely.
DUPLICA 1-0 CHIBIUSA
Chibusa is now Yugi who uses a few long range Mind Crushes to quickly deplete the last bit of energy Motoko has.
DUPLICA 1-1 CHIBIUSA
Duplica is now Ukyo and uses some dashing slashes to get Yugi at bay from using his long range attacks. Yugi uses 2 power bars and creates a Dark Magician to blast Ukyo a bit back. Duplica reverts to projectile and throws spatulas which Yugi/Chibiusa block. Duplica feints, going for another throw, but instead uses a flour bomb which paralyses Yugi. She uses one power bar to use her Batter Dragon attack to pin Yugi, and then another to use a multi-hit slash on Yugi, reducing his energy. Yugi counters with using a power bar to create a shield around him. Duplica is forced to defend as he uses the repeated Mind Crush. Ukyo jumps and does a mid-air spatula throw which catches Yugi off guard and an overhead smash wins it!
DUPLICA 2-1 CHIBIUSA
Chibiusa's final character is Sakura Kinomoto. She takes to the air and blasts spells. Duplica uses a power bar to use Reflect for Ukyo to bat the projectiles back. She puts her back to the ground, but Sakura uses a special attack, Wind Encircle which is a multi-hit magic attack and finally beats Ukyo.
DUPLICA 2-2 CHIBIUSA
Yukino: This is it…
Final character, appropriate for Duplica is a copycat. She presses a combo to get Ranma's move and nails a coupe of Moko Tabishita's, catching Sakura off guard. Every time Chibiusa attacks, Duplica switches to another character, from Sylia to Akito Hayama, from Su to Kuno. Chibiusa doesn't know what to do, so Duplica switches to Sammy and uses a lv.3 attack, Pretty Sexy Bomber….which wins the match!
CHALLENGE COMPLETED! (AT LAST!)
Duplica: I…I did it…
Giselle: She did it?
Akari: SHE DID IT!
(Akari is the first to glomp Duplica as they collapse on the stage, but it's pretty much euphoric as the guys and girls one by one get up and congratulate her. Yukino chuckles as Chibi-usa pouts in her defeats (cutely of course), Hotaru consoles her, Usagi laughs at her, Chibi stamps on her foot, they argue, everyone sweatdrops…pretty much the normal really.)
Yukino: Wow…well, well, well…looks like that bit of faith paid off then. As you may have guessed Duplica, they risked losing money for betting on your victory. They failed the challenged, but would have lost £10,000 if you lost, but because you won, you gain the 10 grand they failed, and have officially stopped the rot now.
Rika: At last!
Yukino: However…we'd like to mention that if she lost the money, Duplica would have got a free pass to the next round. She obviously by-passed that option though, and you guys got the 10 grand, and are now up to £44,500. The mole was 99% perfect today…
(The group look at everyone for a moment before sighing)
Yukino: However, I think it's time to rest up, because we are going to an old European Mansion for tonights eviction, but I think food and drink is needed first right?
All: Yes!
Yukino: I thought so!
Haitani: After all that, we finally manage to win something!
Ken: It was nice to get that victory, although technically we didn't get it, I think faith, belief and a little luck was needed, fortunately, all of that came through for us.
Giselle: I don't know what to think now…
Kensuke: It's weird, I've been thinking she's the mole and she does something like this…makes me think even more…
Duplica: What can I say? I'm not sure what was more worrying, playing the game, the others betting on me…or not using the free pass? Either way, I'm glad I stuck it out…who said playing video games was bad for you?
* * * *
(Shot of an old European mansion, where an English gentleman named Edwards lives, but for tonight, it's home for 12 contestants, a host, a goddess and a mole…)
Yukino: (around a table) Well, here's to you.
All (apart from a few): Kampai!
(The guys and girls toast their victory as Yukino clears her throat)
Yukino: Well, tonight, we have another quiz and another person will leave, making the number one dozen. I hope you all kept inside your head that the mole was working overtime, and nearly came up trumps again. Here are the scripts…study or not to study, that is the question…tomorrow morning, you can sleep until 10, a little reward for your endeavours. However, one of you won't wake up at all here…because they will be shipping out of here. I suggest you make use of the time well…
(Yukino leaves, as the teams get their scripts, ready to do what they can…)
* * * *
(…in Giselle's case, it's hopelessly trying to pick Chiriko's brains…)
Rika: …so I'll see you tomorrow then!
Chiriko: I hope so.
(Rika gives Chiriko a sweet smile before leaving the main hall as Chiriko sighs)
Chiriko: Is this what the Suzaku no Miko feels for Tamahome?
Giselle: I don't know, but is that really the point?
Chiriko: I should have known.
Giselle: Well…come on, we're going to get to the finals aren't we? Or…
Chiriko: (sighs again) Yes, I know. I can't believe I'm doing this…
Giselle: So what do you think?
Chiriko: I think that the mole is probably one of the Digidestined.
Giselle: (surprised) Why?
Chiriko: They seemed to agree quickly on that computer vote, which probably worked against them in the end. I'm focusing on Ken more than ever, but I'm still suspicious over Haley…
Giselle: (unsure) Should I trust you?
Chiriko: Hey, you're the one who tried to blackmail me into helping!
Giselle: O.K…it's just I've been suspicious about Haley as well, although Akari is into consideration too…
Chiriko: Akari, why?
Giselle: She's from the future, she probably had all the time in the world to prepare for this kind of thing.
Chiriko: That's your basis?
Giselle: The fish…I may have been away from them, but a world class athlete like her missing one was real weird. That's why I don't suspect you…you're not a world class athlete.
Chiriko: Thank's a lot…
Akari: HEEELLLPPP!
(Shot of Akari running through the hall, Shampoo on her tail…)
Shampoo: Stop running box-girl! Shampoo no kill you, just want sample of blood for great-grandmother!
Akari: You think I'm giving it to that way? (Akari spreads her arms and a sonic wave bursts out, sending Shampoo flying into the hall wall…along with Giselle and Chiriko)
Chiriko: (in pain) I don't deserve this…
Giselle: (in pain) Care to explain this Shampoo?
Shampoo: (dizzy) Aiyah…
* * * *
Naoko: So you see…
Kensuke: You suspect her?
Naoko: Yep, she's my friend but…
Kensuke: If that's what you think, I'll certainly think about it. And I don't care if she saved us, the fact that she did all those attacks suggests that she knew about the game way ahead of schedule.
Naoko: Right. Well, hopefully we'll see each other tomorrow.
Kensuke: Right!
(Kensuke and Naoko shakes hands, as Kensuke goes and spots Haitani in the corner, and waves to him as the two go to do whatever. Meanwhile, Rika appears…)
Rika: Naoko…
Naoko: (surprised) Rika-chan…
Rika: I'm…so…
(Rika hugs Naoko as the two CCS girls reunite)]
Naoko: (smiles) No, I'm sorry.
* * * *
However, a new alliance is about to come underway…
(Inside a room, three voices are conspiring…)
Cody: Well, we're splitting the room tonight, we'll see you tomorrow Yolei.
Yolei: How sure will you be of that?
Ken: O.K…we'll see you tonight then.
Yolei: Ha ha…see ya in a bit guys…
(Yolei leaves the room and turns the corner…)
Yolei: (whispering) Hey…
(Someone appears on the side…)
????: I'm glad you came…
Yolei: Hey, I could never say so to a cute boy.
(The boy blushes as it's revealed…to be Haley.)
Haley: So…
Yolei: I'm in.
Haley: But…but…
Yolei: My friends? They can win, but I want to win. If that means getting with anyone else, so be it.
Haley: But why did you ask me?
Yolei: Simple. You're smart, you're sweet and I like you. We got along on that smart car whilst Giselle was being a pain in the backside. Besides, I trust you. I don't think you're the mole, so the two of us can cruise throughout the game.
Haley: But…what if I am the mole?
Yolei: Then I blew it. (laughs)
Haley: Well…what if you're the mole?
Yolei: (smiles evilly) Then you blew it.
(Haley sweatdrops, but in the end, the two shake hands, as an unholy alliance has been made)
Haley: It may be a surprise that I wanted to allign myself with Yolei, but I reckon she has the best head for this game thanks to my research. I reckon that if she is the mole, I'll find out and if she isn't, I'll go through to the final with her. Either way, us two can make it to the final…
Yolei: Ken and Cody are great guys, but I need a little extra edge in trying to win this. And as much as I like Akari, I don't think she's got this mole game right yet. Haley on the other hand is someone who will play to win, and I think he'll do just that, and I want to be in on the act.
* * * *
(Shot of Duplica taking the quiz, as she reads the dreaded seiyuu questions. She's still got a smile on her face though…)
Duplica: After winning that last challenge, I feel that adreneline will get me through this quiz. Believe it or not, I'm switching more from Rika and Chiriko now to Yolei. Akari told me she and Shampoo lost in the 'easier' games, and I've dismissed Shampoo as a mole. Only a mole could lose early I think…
(Shot of Haley on the fourth question, 'How is Yumi Touma related to the mole?')
Haley: I'm working with the numbers, and with me starting to gradually dismiss Duplica as a mole, I'm looking more at Rika and Akari. Also, working with Yolei gives me a better inclination about the Digidestined, including herself. I'm still spreading my answers for the moment…just to be safe.
(Shot of Giselle looking through the questions with a quiet smile)
Giselle: Imite, you're not fooling me. Perfect way to dismiss people off the mole…but I'm still thinking it's Chiriko. Yes, dropping the fish may have been an easy way to lose a challenge, and it could be pot luck…or he could have known all the long when it was going to be thrown…
(Shot of Naoko looking over the computer, not typing anything, just thinking)
Naoko: A mole or not a mole? Is that you Rika? I hope not, but I'm not totally sure…I'm having a good look at Giselle though. Allergic to fish and failing to do well at her own show's test? Something…forgive the pun…is fishy here?
(Shot of Cody on the quiz, Q6, 'Who threw the first fish at the mole?' He clicks Amawa.)
Cody: Rika, because she failed to catch the fish. Haitani, for not working out Yolei had Ken's quiz. Shampoo, because of her defeat in the game. I'm starting to look towards suspects who you wouldn't think would be mole material, but as I've found out before, looks can be deceiving.
(Shot of Akari on the quiz, she sighs and leaves after finishing it)
Akari: Yolei and Ken are still my top two suspects, although Haley always seems to be sneaking around nervously doing something, the fact that from the future and didn't know Ryoga's weakness against water in the arcade…I guess as another future character, I can consider him to knowing the answers…
(Shot of Haitani taking Q8, 'Who did the mole face in the arcade?' He clicks 'Minako')
Haitani: After I beat Minako, there was only one way to lose the challenge, and that was to lose both matches and hope that Ami won hers. Giselle is still number one suspect, but Rika comes into that as well. I never thought I'd suspect her…but I do now.
(Shot of Yolei taking the quiz, she wipes her glasses at one point before resuming the quiz…)
Yolei: Getting into an alliance with Haley may work because I suspect him as the mole…how the heck did he even get 3 right, never mind 6 with Shampoo, but our heroine could easily still be the mole. It's a perfect double bluff and I still suspect Duplica without a doubt.
(Ken taking the quiz, Q9, 'In the last episode, which row did the mole sit in?)
Ken: I've been taking notes since episode 1 and I'm concluding that Akari has caused the most sabotage so far, whether noticable or not. Chiriko is a close second and even Rika I suspect still, all had their moments today in small doses so…
(Shot of Shampoo taking the quiz, snapping her fingers)
Shampoo: Box-girl could be mole, she no want to give Shampoo blood, but also suspect glasses-girl…er, glasses-girl which no have monster partner. She took too true easy way out last time…not good.
(Finally, Kensuke with the decisive question, who is the mole?)
Kensuke: Touji maybe gone, but with Naoko, I'm sure I'll be fine. I don't think she's the mole despite what has been happening, and instead am focusing on Akari more…O.K, for more than one reason, but I believe she is the mole. Ever since the soccer match I've been slightly suspicious of her, more so since Duplica won us that final challenge…although she isn't out of suspicion yet…
* * * *
(In Edward's mansion, Day 8 of Animole, the team pack their bags and say what could be their final goodbyes to each other, as one will go tonight…)
(Shot of Yukino, who rubs her hands evilly, delighted in eliminating the weakest players…shame she can't do it in real life…they enter in a circle like the first challenge all on chairs)
Yukino: Well now, my puppets on a string, who's are about to be cut? After almost another mole clean sweep, you managed to salvage 10 thousand pounds to bump up your tally to £44,500, so congratulations are in order.
(The group nod)
Yukino: However, one of you will be sent on a one way trip back home, without a pound, cent or yen to your name. It's once again, time for the executions. I believe it's appropriate that we start this one with Duplica.
Duplica: Thanks a lot.
(Yukino types in 'DUPLICA' down as Akari next to her is pretty nervous as well)
(Flashes green. Duplica sighs but smile. Akari gives her a small hug)
Yukino: Next up…(looks around)…Naoko.
(Naoko nods and lets Yukino type her name in 'NAOKO'. On one side, Rika is clutching her hand, the other, Kensuke is just watching the screen)
(Flashes green. Naoko smiles and Kensuke pats her on the back)
Yukino: Ken.
(Ken nods as 'KEN' is typed in, Yolei smiling at him)
(Flashes green. Ken sighs as congratulations are poured on him)
Yukino: Chiriko.
(The young bishounen smiles as Yukino draws the verdict, 'CHIRIKO'. Haley and Rika either side of him)
(Flashes green. The Fushigi Yuugi rep is still in to the delight of Rika)
Yukino: Haley.
(The Nadesico rep breathes in as Yukino types 'HALEY' in)
(Flashes green. Yolei gives him a thumbs up and Chiriko a pat on the shoulder)
Yukino: Shampoo.
(The Ranma ½ rep nods as 'SHAMPOO' is typed in)
(Flashes…red?)
Shampoo: Huh?
Chiriko: Huh?
(Half of the voters in the audience: Huh?)
Yukino: Sorry, the thing is working. Shampoo, could you please come down here, we have to go?
Shampoo: Sh…Shampoo was wrong?
Yukino: (nods) Shampoo was very wrong. Now come with me…
(Shampoo is refusing to believe it, but surprisingly, nods and turns to leave with Yukino. Before she does, she looks back, smiles and bows to the 12 remaining contestants. Chiriko is the first to bow back and the others, one by one, even Giselle do so. Shampoo says 'Zaizen!' before leaving with Yukino…)
Ken: She could be the most infruiating person on the planet…but sometimes her airhead like nature was so likeable it was hard to begrudge her.
Chiriko: I know that tomorrow morning I will wake up, come for breakfast, and she won't be there with a big 'Nihao!'. And to be honest…I'll miss that.
Akari: She was crazy…she drove me nuts…but still…it will be a different place without her.
(Shot of Shampoo leaving, ready to return to Nerima. But before she does…)
Shampoo: Devil-girl?
Yukino: (annoyed) What?
Shampoo: When Shampoo come back, if mole girl, I kill, if mole boy, I marry. Right?
Yukino: (sweatdrops) I'll get back to you on that…
(Shampoo nods and leaves, as Ranma ½ becomes the first anime casuality of the mole…again.)
* * * *
NEXT TIME;
A two part episode! The gang dress up for a play, but why is murder on the menu?
It's actors vs. detectives, a Darkstalkers cameo…plus Rika in a maid's outfit! Kawaii!
One challenge only, but worth either 30 grand or a free pass to almost any of the actors? Which temptation will appeal more?
Wow. Just like with AS5 where Michelle was an upset early casuality, the overall favourite for the mole in the first three quizzes takes an early shower…better be a warm one.
After the first quiz, I was amazed at how many votes Shampoo got. I think I'm calling this the 'Ruki Makino' syndrome. Like Ruki from Anime Edition Mole 2, Shampoo was simply acting like she does in the anime. If those actions made her seem moleish, then fine, but that means a lot of you will have to rethink your choices from now on…
Yes also, Shampoo was always planned to go for episode 4. If I had been really cruel, considering the amount of people who thought she was the mole at one point, I would have kept her on a bit longer, however, I've stuck to a schedule and I'm not squeezing out of it.
So next episode, is a two parter, because it's the play, with the first part pretty much being a bonus question before the quiz, as you can play along with the detectives and see who kills, with what and where. However, before then, here is the quiz for those playing via FF.net rather than the mailing list…
ANIMOLE – QUIZ 4
NOTE – THIS ONE REQUIRES RESEARCH. LOTS AND LOTS OF SEIYUU RESEARCH. ENJOY.
Q1) Who is the moles seiyuu?
Emi Motoi Rei Sakuma Rio Natsuki Romi Paku Tetsuya Iwanaga Tomoko Kawakami Yasui Kunihiko None of the above – a.k.a. Chrissy couldn't find them…LQ2) How is Kae Araki related to the mole?
Friend and digidestined Friend and DNA partner Friend and priestess One episode running character Araki-san not related to the moleQ3) How is Tomokazu Seki related to the mole?
Best friend/eliminated mole contestant Chosen warrior Deceased colleague of his captain Friend's older brother Travelling companion of a friend (although never met) Seki-san not related to the moleQ4) How is Yumi Touma related to the mole? (NOTE: One of the answers is based on the original Pokemole and also Pokevivor)
Best friend/currently enemy of priestess Friend's cat Friend's flying plushie/guardian Friend's young boyfriend Rival's teacher Touma-san not related to the moleQ5) How is Yuuji Ueda related to the mole?
Perverted breeder friend Friend and (probably to him) luckiest guy on earth Impersonator/enemy Prince Of Darkness Ueda-san not related to the moleQ6) Who threw the first fish at the mole?
Fuyutsuki AmawaQ7) Whose test did the mole have?
Akari Chiriko Cody Duplica Giselle Haitani Haley Ken Kensuke Naoko Rika Shampoo YoleiQ8) Who did the mole face in the arcade?
Ami Chibi-Usa Makoto Minako UsagiQ9) In the last episode, which row did the mole sit in?
Back row Bottom rowQ10) Who is the mole?
Akari Chiriko Cody Duplica Giselle Haitani Haley Ken Kensuke Naoko Rika Shampoo YoleiI hope that will keep you going until next time, and look for a surprise for episode 6 as well. Zaizen!
ANIM